Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe

Enjoy a light and refreshing tuna pesto pasta recipe.

This dish combines tender pasta with vibrant pesto and tuna, creating a healthy and flavorful meal without the heaviness of cream.

Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep!

Tuna pesto pasta is a light and refreshing dish that showcases the flavors of fresh pesto and tender tuna without the heaviness of cream.

This pasta dish is perfect for a healthy and quick dinner, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

The combination of pasta, tuna, and pesto creates a harmonious blend of flavors, with the pesto providing a vibrant, herby note.

This dish is excellent for meal prep, as it can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a versatile option for lunches and dinners.

Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

This tuna pesto pasta recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Serve it as a hearty main dish paired with a side salad and crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

It's also great for potlucks or family dinners, offering a flavorful combination of pesto and tuna that appeals to both adults and children.

Whether enjoyed hot or cold, its versatility makes it suitable for lunchboxes or a relaxed dinner at home.

This dish effortlessly combines convenience with delicious Mediterranean flavors, making it a go-to choice for various occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavorful: Combines the richness of pesto with savory tuna.
• Protein-Rich: Provides a satisfying meal with tuna and pasta.
• Versatile: This pesto tuna pasta can be served hot or cold.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s sure to be a hit with both adults and children alike.
• Perfect to bring to pot lucks and celebrations like Christmas or even game day.

Cost To Make

Estimated cost = $3.50 or $0.87 a serve

Ingredients

Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

• Dried Pasta: Such as linguine, spirals, bowtie, penne.
• Neutral Flavored Oil: Such as vegetable oil.
• Brown Onion: Finely chopped.
• Garlic: Minced
• Canned Tuna: Drained.
• Salt and Pepper
• Stock of Choice: Such as vegetable stock or chicken stock. If you don't have stock you could use water.
• Pesto of Choice: Store bought or homemade.
• Green Onions (Spring Onions): Finely chopped.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated.
• Pine Nuts or Cashews: Roughly chopped, lightly toasted, to garnish.

Instructions

This recipe for tuna pesto pasta serves 4. The ingredient quantities can easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.

Step One: Cook your pasta according to packet instructions. When the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.

Step Two: Meanwhile, in a medium sized saucepan heat oil. Once hot, add the brown onion and cook until the onions are lightly browned and softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn your garlic.

Step Three: Add the drained tuna and fry for about 2 minutes. Lightly season with salt and pepper.

Step Four: Add the stock and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

Step Five: Reduce the heat to low medium. Add the cooked and drained pasta, pesto, and green onions.

Mix well, taste for seasoning and adjust as desired. If you want your pasta to have more sauce, add some of the reserved pasta water. Adjust seasoning if you do.

Step Six: Turn off heat. Serve, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and roughly chopped pine nuts (or cashews).

Substitutions / Variations

Here are some variations for thistuna pesto pasta recipe you might like to try:

• Substitute canned salmon or chicken for tuna.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables.
• Use spinach or kale pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or feta cheese.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze or lemon juice before serving.
• Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for added creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some ways you might like to serve this pesto pasta with tuna recipe:

• Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.
• Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
• Pack into lunchboxes for a portable meal.
• Enjoy alongside a glass of chilled white wine.
• Serve in a large bowl for family-style dining.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to retain moisture.

More Mains Recipes

• Butter Chicken Pasta
• Salmon Pasta Bake
• Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Noodles
• Garlic Butter Sauce